Sig Sauer P226 in .357 SIG – A Timeless Classic with Serious Punch

The Sig Sauer P226 has a legendary reputation—and for good reason. It’s a tried-and-true platform that’s served in military and law enforcement roles across the globe. Today, we're taking a closer look at a variant that's become a bit of a unicorn in the Sig lineup: the P226 chambered in .357 SIG.

Although the .357 SIG chambering is no longer listed on Sig Sauer’s current website offerings, this caliber still holds a strong fan base—and I can see why. My particular P226 in .357 SIG serves as my dedicated nightstand pistol. It’s reliable, rugged, and chambered in a round known for its velocity and terminal performance.

Let’s talk features. This model shares a lot of DNA with the P226 Elite, including the E2 grip, which makes the gun feel noticeably slimmer and more ergonomic than the classic grip design. I’ve always liked the original P226 grip, but the E2 feels more refined, with just the right amount of stippling for a secure hold without being abrasive.

The slide serrations are slightly different from the Elite model—this one lacks the smaller front serrations, which honestly isn’t a deal breaker. The sights have been swapped out for XS Sights featuring a bright yellow front post and Tritium inserts on both front and rear. It’s easy to pick up in daylight, and just as easy to see at night.

Attached to the rail is a Surefire X300 Ultra. In my opinion, it's one of the best weapon lights on the market. I’ve tried a few over the years, including Streamlight, but I keep coming back to Surefire for its ruggedness and performance.

This pistol came to me as a factory refurbished Sig direct from my distributor. Whether it was technically “used” or not, I couldn’t find a single blemish when I received it. Any wear now is from my own use—and I’m okay with that. I take good care of it, keeping it clean and well-lubricated.

For ammo, I run a Mec-Gar 15-round magazine and keep a couple of their 13-round flush-fit mags as backups. Sig’s factory mags hold 12, but I’ve had nothing but perfect reliability from the Mec-Gars—even after being loaded for extended periods.

With a full mag, weapon light, and night sights, this P226 weighs in at 44.9 ounces. That's a hefty pistol, but for a nightstand setup, I don’t mind the extra weight. It soaks up recoil and adds confidence in hand.

On the range, this pistol runs flawlessly. No malfunctions, no surprises—just consistent performance. I’ll include a short range demo in the video for those who want to see it in action.

If you’re into the history of the P226, you probably know the Navy’s MK25 version chambered in 9mm. But the .357 SIG variant has earned its place with agencies like the Texas Department of Public Safety. In fact, I’ve spoken with folks from DPS who have firsthand stories of one-shot stops with this caliber. It’s not just a good round—it’s a proven performer in real-world scenarios.

At one point in my law enforcement career, I carried a P226 in .40 S&W. When we transitioned to Glock 22s, we were given the option to purchase our duty sidearms. I kept mine and gifted it to my father. The Glock was lighter and easier to carry, but the P226 remained my favorite handgun platform.

If you asked me to pick one caliber from the options available in the P226—9mm, .40, or .357 SIG—I’d go with .357 SIG every time. It’s fast, accurate, and has real-world stopping power. I don’t need a ballistics gel test to tell me what this round can do.

Thanks for checking out the review. Be sure to watch the full video below and let me know what you think. If you’re a fan of the P226 platform or .357 SIG, drop a comment—I’d love to hear your take.